Inuit art finds new home

The Municipality of Cape Dorset and West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative are opening the Kenojuak Cultural Centre this September. This state-of-the-art community facility, visitor destination and exhibition space is also the new home to the renowned Kinngait Studios — the venerable institution responsible for the drawings, prints and sculpture that have defined excellence in Inuit art since the 1950s.

Two special events are planned for the official opening in Cape Dorset, Nunavut:

A Community Gathering: September 5 from 1 to 6 pm; and

A Dignitary and Supporter Reception: September 8 from noon to 5 pm.

The exhibitions will showcase never-before-seen works of art from the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative archives and permanent collection. They are co-curated by the Centre’s Manager Louisa Parr and William Huffman from the Cooperative.

The first exhibit is “Kenojuak Ashevak: The Work of a Lifetime”. It is the largest survey of Kenojuak Ashevak’s creative output ever presented in Canada’s Arctic. In addition to works of art, the Cape Dorset community has been invited to contribute personal objects, musings and anec­dotes, which illustrate the significant role that Ashevak has played in the region. A series of public talks and screenings will accompany the exhibition.

The second exhibit, “Age of Stone: A History of Cape Dorset Carving” examines the cultural significance of carving in Cape Dorset — from its ancient roots to the present. This exhibition mines the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative permanent collection and will feature rare sculptural works by Kenojuak Ashevak. Complementing the exhibition is a series of demonstrations and workshops conducted by local sculptors.